Exposure to Heat Stress, Ultraviolet Radiation and Other Occupational Health Hazards Among Groundskeepers at East Carolina University Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Approximately 840,000 workers are employed as groundskeepers in the United States. In the southern US, groundskeepers typically work most of the year outdoors, performing physically demanding duties. Because a large amount of work time is spent outside, groundskeepers are exposed to various workplace hazards that contribute to illnesses and injuries. These hazards include physical hazards (hot temperatures, cold temperatures, UV radiation [UVR]), various vectors (e.g., mosquitos, ticks), and ergonomic hazards associated with bending, kneeling, and awkward posture for prolonged periods, and heavy lifting without assistance. The purpose of this study is to assess the exposure to UVR, heat, cold, ergonomic hazards and vectors among groundskeepers. Groundskeepers (N=50) employed at East Carolina University (ECU) will be recruited to complete pre-and post-surveys to determine any changes in hazard exposures and knowledge on PPE use and ergonomic techniques during the course of the study. Heat stress indices in groundkeeper work areas at 3 different times during the day will be measured using heat stress monitors. UVR dosimeter badges will be used to monitor daily UV indices (UVI) throughout the entire shift by attaching the badges to the head of selected workers (N=5), who will be asked to fill out an activity card to determine their location during the shift, PPE use, weather, and task performed. Vector collection will be conducted in selected work areas and at selected days. Diurnal vectors will be collected using tick drags and traps (placed at 8 AM; collected at 6 PM). Nocturnal vectors will be collected using traps (placed at 6 PM; collected at 8AM the following morning). All specimens collected in traps will be either frozen or placed in ethanol, and identified to species using dichotomous keys. Heat stress and UVR monitoring and vector collection will be conducted during 3 seasons: summer (June-July), fall (August-September), spring (April-May).

date/time interval

  • July 2015 - June 2016